The first official pictures of a one-off Ferrari made for singer and guitarist Eric Clapton have been released.

The car, which is based on a Ferrari 458 Italia and uses the same 4.5-litre, 570bhp V8, has been modified to pay homage to Clapton’s favourite Ferrari, the 512 BB. Clapton has owned three 512 BBs, according to Ferrari.

The car, which is the latest to have been created for wealthy clients by Ferrari’s specialist One-Off Programme, is called the Ferrari SP12 EC.

Clapton took delivery of the car at the start of this year and delayed its registration to get it on to a 12 plate, which was more appropriate to its name.

However, although Clapton is known to be a fan of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, the 12 in the car's name is not thought to relate to that fact. Instead, it is thought that Ferrari has previously had 10 special project cars commissioned (but not all built) and that Clapton requested not to have number 11, as he is superstitious and believes the number three is lucky. As a result, he requested 12 (1+2).

Not many people get to build there dream car, and sometimes they just shouldn't, but, if he likes it, then that's fine,in his minds eye it probably looks the Dog's dangly bits,to me, it doesn't flow, from the edge of the door back, it looks like a grafted on rear end,and, like most of these cars,they are hardly driven,maybe once or twice a year,and,no i'm not envious, i am just not into Ferrari's, but i do like boywork that maches end to end.

Having one of the best handling cars as a basis cant of hurt it, and it looks a lot better than some other manufacturer homages I've seen reccently. It will probably be seen at some concours auction in 30 yrs time selling for several million.

I have to say I rather like it and I think I prefer it to the standard 458 - especially the front end. I guess this car really can be considered "exclusive" in the true sense of the word which is so overused nowadays.

I like it, and I particularly like the fact that Ferrari are willing to make a one-off for those that really want one (and obviously can afford it).

It's a bit like a made to measure suit when all us normal mortals have to buy off the peg.

To answer CityTiger's concern I am sure Eric will use it, unless he has changed over the years - inside the album cover for Slowhand there is a picture of one of his Berlinetta Boxers loooking very used (as in crumpled)!